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Will Abstinence From Alcohol Abuse Reduce Prehypertension?

Posted on Mon, 27 Jul 2015

Question: If I have pre-stage hypertension from alcohol abuse will abstinence bring numbers down to an acceptable level?
Thx

Answered by Dr. Rajesh Teli (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I need to know your exact BP reading

Detailed Answer:
hello,
I am Dr.Rajesh Teli MD.
I have gone through your query.First of all I would like to know your exact level of blood pressure.At your age BP should be less than 140/90.The concept of pre hypertension was given by Joint National committee on Hypertension in their 7 th report.In latest guidelines there is not much of reference.But one thing is certain that you must avoid alcohol ,and abstinence will surely lower BP by few mm and prevent you to be XXXXXXX hypertensive.
My best wishes
Dr.Rajesh Teli,MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Rajesh Teli (13 minutes later)

I can't recall the exact numbers but am seeing doctor Monday. I have heard that numbers can be higher due to withdrawal, if that's the case do those lower with sobriety?
Thx

And what do you mean by a few mm in reduction? I have never had higher readings until now, won't abstinence significantly reduce numbers since that is likely only cause

Answered by Dr. Rajesh Teli (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes it will lower with sobriety

Detailed Answer:
Those who reduce alcohol ,lower their upper BP(Systolic) by 2 to 4 mm and lower BP(diastolic) by 1 to 2 mm .There for your need not worry about abrupt fall.Also it has gradual affect over periods weeks to months.
Abrupt withdrwal may create shooting and hence sudden cessation is never advisable.You must reduce gradually.Even we are not knowing about your present reading so do not get anxiuos about it .please inform me your current reading,then we shall be able to plan how to proceed further. XXXXXXX Heart association describes one drink a day for woman as moderate and acceptable.
My best wishes
Dr.Rajesh Teli,MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Rajesh Teli (24 minutes later)

So if the numbers at my check up Monday are high is it possible it is because of quitting 'cold turkey's. I also have been quite anxious (nothing new) and will be very nervous.
Thank you for your help.

Answered by Dr. Rajesh Teli (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
not necessarily due to quitting

Detailed Answer:
hello,
As such high number due to quitting will be associated with lots of other symptoms of withdrawal like,tremors,insomnia ,lack of concentration etc.It will never be isolated increase in BP.So dear just do not worry and focus on positive aspect that you want to reduce and then stop( if you wish) alcohol.
we have solution to high BP irrespective of its reason.so just relax and inform me your reading.Just anxiety of uncertainity of BP reading may also increase BP.So keep cool and when you go for check up don't be anxious.Things will be manageable in any case.
My best wishes
Dr.Teli.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Rajesh Teli (59 minutes later)

Thank you again for your support.
It alcohol seems to be the culprit of high blood pressure does complete abstinence generally bring numbers to healthy levels, along with exercise and healthy diet?
I eat well and could lose a small it of weight, job fairly stressful.
I very much appreciate your advice and kind words.

Answered by Dr. Rajesh Teli (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
abstinence will surely help

Detailed Answer:
In majority hypertensive patients there are multiple factors viz.smoking,obesity,sedentary life,heredity ,alcohol etc.
So in your case I need to know entire health profile
And level of blood pressure to say that you will have no hypertension after stopping alcohol.
But one the is clear NO to alcohol us YES to positive health.
So dear don't be anxious and inform you bp and other data
With regards
Dr.Teli.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rajesh Teli (6 hours later)

Thanks, I do not smoke or lead a sedentary lifestyle although some more exercise could be beneficial. I am slightly overweight, maybe by 10 lbs. I eat well and besides alcohol (which I have quit for nearly a week and do not intend to return to) my lifestyle is quite healthy. I have dealt with anxiety over the years and would like to address that with my doctor again, I have taken medication in the past.
My appt is on Monday
Thx

Answered by Dr. Rajesh Teli (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Mostly you will not need antihypertensive

Detailed Answer:
hello,looking to your life style it seems you will not be hypertensive ,you are following healthy life style except Alcohol!which also you intend to stop.just inform me your reading and your clinical data after consultation with your doctor on Monday.I am sure things will be OK.
my best wishes
Dr.Teli.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Rajesh Teli (34 minutes later)

Thank you, I just hope that the damage from my time of alcohol abuse can be reversed, I am more than ever committed to being sober.
Thanks for your encouragement.

Answered by Dr. Rajesh Teli (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You shall get benefit

Detailed Answer:
your alcohol abstinence wiill certainly help blood pressure control,I m sure your doctor will evaluate your liver function as well.do let me know status of liver as well.But I m so happy for your determination to give up alcohol.
Best wishes from bottom of my heart
Dr.Teli.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Rajesh Teli (15 minutes later)

Thank you. I am hopeful that any liver damage such as elevated enzymes can be reversed. I am a healthy young woman and have never mixed drugs or Tylenol with my wine. In your experience is the liver fairly strong in healing once one abstains?
Thx

Answered by Dr. Rajesh Teli (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes you stand fair chance

Detailed Answer:
hello dear,
I m sure your determination to give up alcohol will surely help reversing liver dysfunction.But I need to know basal level of your enzymes as on today.in my experience of more than 25 years ,even those with poor function have been able to achieve slowing down of progression.so let's hope for the best and do let me know your reports.
with best wishes
Dr.Teli.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Rajesh Teli (9 hours later)

Me again - for the 1 mm reduction is that based on number of drinks per day
Example: reducing 5 drinks per day can eventually equal 5 mm decrease?
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Rajesh Teli (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
no proportionate relatioship

Detailed Answer:
hello,
There is no such linear relationship for reduction.Individual response and tolerance to alocohol is variable ,so this is range derived from studies after reducing to dose to almost one drink a day in females.There is no rule of thumb or relationship equating number reduction.Dear, You are too anxious about the number.Lets first know what is your level.Again I m repeating your determination to give up alcohol is more than anything.I m a man of spirituality and I can tell you that giving up an addiction is like developing a spiritual quality,so benefit is assured.Just go for it
with regards
Dr.Teli,MD

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T